Bug-a-day #34 – after the rain

It has rained for two straight days here in most parts of England, and there has been little respite from the cold and the wet.

However, this evening – just before the sun went down – the rain let off for a few minutes, allowing most dog owners to give their pets a small window of opportunity to relieve themselves.

While I was out there, I noticed some very interesting raindrop patterns on the plants, so I went back in and retrieved my camera.

I noticed a few Ladybirds and tried to capture them, but the light was too dull for a clear picture without a tripod. And then I remembered my camera has a flash – something I haven’t used since I bought it!  Not the easiest thing to use with a macro in dim light, but it showed some great soggy insects.

So, while I said I wouldn’t portray the same bug more than once for this challenge, I think I can be forgiven for revisiting some very wet versions of Ladybirds and (I think) a Hoverfly.

Click on the images for clearer views.

 

 

© Alice through the Macro Lens [2012]

Photo Challenge: 50 Steps …

This challenge is a perfect one for me, because I’m actually really in a bit of a down phase in my mood swingometer, and the furthest I want to walk is about 100 yards to the castle to allow the manic dog some freedom. So, anything that involves a maximum of 50 steps is very welcome.

Just when we thought Spring was finally here in jolly old England, Mother Nature threw in a cruel twist of frost this morning. So – I donned my thermals and ventured 47 steps before I took this:

Click on the photo to get a better resolution. For some reason, they always seem to look a bit blurred on the post page itself.

It’s the same type of Nettle I photographed for Dangerous Liaisons last week. … Those stingers aren’t so scary looking now, are they!

If you want to check out the challenge for yourself, just pop over to Print-Sense Photography and Design’s blog.

Dangerous liaison

How beautiful is this juvenile nettle in the first morning light!

But beware those stinging needles!

© Alice through the Macro Lens [2012]